CO2 Tire Infaltion - How Much?

[Rogue]

I have a small electric air pump that I bring with me on my rides.  Even though it's pretty small, it's still too damn big and heavy to have inside my tank/tailbag.  

So I want to switch back to CO2 for inflation.  I've used CO2 to inflate bicycle tires (1 12-gram for 1 tire is sufficient).

How many CO2 canisters (12-gram) do I need to inflate one rear 180-55/17 tire to about 35 Psi?  I need experienced opinions please.  Suggestions?  Recommendations?


Thanks all.

[Liquidsilver]

I just had terrible luck with getting them into the tire without leaking.  I used 6 cannisters on a rear tire after plugging it, and it was still only about 20 PSI.   Enough to limp to the next gas station, but not ideal.
 
For a while I carried a mini-foot pump, which worked, clumsily... and it took up as much space as the little electric one I carry now.
 

[CosmicCowboy]

I think you need to look at one of the slime pumps. Small and light. Enough CO2 to fill your tire would take up at least as much space, I would think.

[Kraz]

Some electric pumps' plastic shell can be removed to save on (a lot of) space.  If you get do that or get a smaller one, then you may be able to put it under the seat so it doesn't take up saddlebag space.

I hate CO2 cartridges - I'd rather have a small bicycle handpump.  YMMV.

[mxvet57]

Slime pump.    It has saved my ass many of times. The problem with CO2 cartrages it there a one time use. If you don't get the plug to seal the first time (which has hapend to me several times) it is just going to leak out and your screwed.

I do carry some cartrages just in case.

[NoGear]

I have the small slime pump. I don't leave home without it.

[bomber]

Some electric pumps' plastic shell can be removed to save on (a lot of) space.  If you get do that or get a smaller one, then you may be able to put it under the seat so it doesn't take up saddlebag space.

This -- my cheap drugstore pump is half the size of a pack of Pall Mall straights (a universal unit of measure, btw)

[karlfitt]

I carry the cartridges.

Only used them once in the parking lot at work.

Put a plug in and two cartirdges to get to the closed dealer for a new tire (15 miles).
Forgot to check the pressure and see how much it was..

I carry 5 of the cylinders. Should be good for a 180 (I am hoping)

[PatM]

There is also the mini cycle pump.
The problem with the cartridges is they're one shot deals.
If you need to re-inflate, you're out of luck until you resupply.

[X1Glider]

How many CO2 canisters (12-gram) do I need to inflate one rear 180-55/17 tire to about 35 Psi?  I need experienced opinions please.  Suggestions?  Recommendations?


Thanks all.

It will take 5 of those 12g cartriges to get to 32 psi.  A single 45g will get you to 28 psi.  I keep a kit from Genuine Innovations under my seat.  It has 2 - 45g cartridges.  1 will get my 190/55-17 up to 25 psi.  The 2nd will top it off.  If I had to do both front and rear, both these cartridges would get me to 28 in the front and 34 in the rear to get me somewhere so I can top off to my ideal 32 and 38.

I prefer CO2 over a pump because it can inflate more rapidly.  I also like the larger cartidges because when you have to change multiple cartirdges out on the inflator chuck, you can lose some air out of each.  Less changes means less air loss.

[greidel]

Is that a bag of emergency bacon at the bottom there?

[darkstarmoto]

Yep Slime pump FTW. CO2's can be faster BUT once they are empty...game over. I also recently acquired this foot pump. http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/air-pump/air-pump.htm

[Kneescrubber]

I can honestly say that I've never had a flat on a motorcycle. Ever. But I do carry a kit similar to X1's when I do long distance traveling.

[Liquidsilver]

I can honestly say that I've never had a flat on a motorcycle. Ever. But I do carry a kit similar to X1's when I do long distance traveling.

 
Huh?   How is this possible?   I get at least one per season.  

[ConPilot1]

Slime pumps are the sh*t. I would have been screwed a couple times this year without it.

Sometimes the tools in those compact all inclusive plug kits are crap. My T-handle tool with interchangeable tool inserts was shot after 1 use. JUNK>
And the little tube of rubber cement? Forget it. You better get that sucker plugged on the first couple tries cause you'll run out of glue.

Get a bigger tube of rubber glue.

Go down to your NAPA store and get a good solid reamer and worm hook tool.
Also I learned that the rope gummy worms in the kits are too damn short. The long one for truck tires are much better.

I had a hard time installing a rope plug in my rear tire this year due to the shortness of the plug worm.

Build your own kit with good tools, long worms and a Slime pump and you'll be good to go.

This year I'm beefing up the plugging kit with a Stop-N-Go mushroom plugger as well just to have another alternative.

[X1Glider]

Is that a bag of emergency bacon at the bottom there?

For while you're waiting for the cement to set.

[Rogue]

I have the smalll plastic Slime pump and the aluminum one from the internet.

They're "small" when you're handling them, but try putting them in a small tank/tail bag--they take up a lot of room!  I hate bringing big bags with me on my day trips.  However, having experienced flats quite a few times, I feel compelled to bring almost everything with me.  For once I wish I could just ride without bags.

I will try the 45 Gram canisters.  I think this is a good compromise.  

On long road trips, I do bring the mini electric pump.

[Dan K]

I bought myself the expensive little one from Touratec, or whatever the expensive catalog is.  It's got no case, came wih all the plugs for adapting to battery direct, cigarette or battery tender plug.  Probably is just the slime pump without the case, but it's the shnizzle.

- Dan

[Kramer]

Really?
I think the Slime pumps pack pretty small...

[xsrider]

I carry both CO2 cartridges and a can of Fix a Flat for motorcycles.  I've never had to use either one.